Talking to North Korea would be a mistake. Beijing's is the only number to dial

China doesn't only share a border with North KoreaCredit:
Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images

Saturday, September 9, is the National Day of North Korea and doubtless the Kim regime will have made suitably startling plans to seize the attention of the world community.

Far more heat than light has been generated by this latest North Korean crisis, which plays into the hands of Kim Jong-un. President Donald Trump’s statements may not have not provided the sense of calm professional competence that is required.

However, in spite of the frenzied debate, a number of political calculations have subtly changed. This evolving landscape can be expressed in six key points, from which a conclusion can be drawn.